I'm Just Looking Out for My 60-Year-Old Self

06/07/2015 16:49 BST
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Updated
06/07/2016 10:59 BST

No really, I am. When you look at twenty somethings that love beauty, skincare and fitness, what do you see? Are you one of them? Is it all about the here and now, looking good and feeling good, or is it so much more than that?

It is for me. I'm a twenty-something and I love beauty, skincare and fitness, but not because it makes me feel good (well, that probably helps a little). My obsession stems from something much, much deeper than that. I really am just looking out for my 60-Year-Old self.

I've always been a planner. I like to know what I'm doing days or weeks (sometimes, months) in advance - much to the annoyance of my loved ones. I try to live in the moment and even though I do manage it every now and again, I'm not all that good at it. I like to be prepared. Things should have a time and a place and I guess, to me, that also applies to beauty, skincare and fitness.

As children, we drink our milk and eat our vegetables to grow big and strong. As teens, we follow the advice of our elders, rushing to become adults. But when we get there, hitting our mid-twenties, what's next? Not everyone tells you to look out for your older-self.

But I always will.

I definitely look after my skin for agelessness. Despite suffering with acne, it's the early signs of ageing that gets to me the most. Blemishes are easy to treat once you know how, but fine lines and wrinkles - they require so much more once they set in. So, I'm doing my best to hold that off for as long as possible.

Years ago, I was that terrified I felt that I'd definitely look to cosmetic surgery as soon as I needed it. Now, I'm firmly on the prevention is better than cure fence.

And why shouldn't I be?

I write about skincare, nutrition and health for a living and have built quite the obsession with it. Taking care of my body so that breezes its way through life, as much as possible, has become a bit more than just fun for me and nutrition plays a big part in that.

Finding foods that are good for collagen production has become a bit of a mission and I'd quite happily eat an avocado a day to keep the cosmetic doctor away.

It's the same with water. It's not easy to up your intake, but if you just give it a try, it becomes addictive. Yes running to the bathroom a few times an hour isn't always that glamorous, but do you know what is? Healthy, glowing skin and a well-functioning body. It really is true what they say, water works!

I fully intend on only letting one thing give away my age as I grow - my boyfriend (or, hopefully, Husband by then). He tans well and loves the sun, but refuses to take my advice on skincare - opting for the more rustic way of looking after himself.

But as I opened with, this isn't all about beauty, it's just as much about healthcare as it is skincare.

Sometimes, beauty and fitness efforts can seem superficial and while I'm not going to defend or shame them (that's definitely not what this post is about), I can't speak for everyone, but what I will say is - there's a reason for mine.

I want to be able to run, dance and still do yoga as I age. I want to take care of my body so that it stays strong and healthy throughout the whole of my life. I don't ever want to reach a point in life where I look back and wish I'd taken better care of myself and with the way I live, I really don't think I will.

So the next time I scatter my love of pizza with a whole lot of greens, proteins and juices to balance out my biggest weakness, I'll know I've only got me in mind.

Are you planning ahead just like I am? I'd love to know if you have any beauty, skincare and fitness tips to share!